Maison Louis Jadot is a masterful example of both a Domaine and a Negociant. Since its foundation in 1859, it has grown into one of the largest proprietors of Premier Cru and Grand Cru land in the Cote d’Or. With holdings and grower partnerships from Chablis to Beaujolais, they are a reliable source for wine throughout the region. The Jadot family grew the business and opened significant export markets. In 1954, young Andre Gagey was hired as an assistant and became General Manager in 1968 upon the untimely death of the heir apparent, Louis-Alain Jadot. Technical Director, Jacques Lardiere joined in 1970 and grew to be a legend, overseeing the vast Grand Cru and Premier Cru holdings as well as the village and purchased fruit. Except for a few parcels, the grapes are destemmed and go through a long cuvaison with indigenous yeasts before aging in their own cooperage. Invariably, the wines need time to blossom. The cornerstone of Jadot’s philosophy is to express the individuality of each lieu-dit. Lardiere retired in 2012, after 42 years, only to come back and direct Jadot’s new Oregon project, Resonance. In 1985, the Jadot family sold the business to their American importers, Kobrand. Growth and quality continue under the able direction of Andre Gagey and his son Pierre-Henri.

The 2016 Louis Jadot Gevrey-Chambertin Premier Cru Clos St. Jacques comes from a special site, generally considered Grand Cru quality. Situated on a hill, north of Gevrey’s east-facing Grand Crus, this vineyard has a sunnier disposition, facing southeast at a higher elevation. The warmth of the sun, well drained white marl soils (like Chambertin) and the cooling winds of the Combe de Lavaux promote full phenolic ripeness of the grapes. The destemmed grapes ferment in vats for 3 to 4 weeks before aging 18 months in Jadot’s own cooperage. The 2016 shows wonderful aromas of red currant, cherry, earth, and perfumed roses. Dense, but initially shy, broad flavors of red and blue fruits emerge on a stony backbone of fine tannins. It's more of a showoff the next day, with dense, rich layers of cool fruit and a hint of tobacco. This wine has a long future of enjoyment ahead.

By Michael Yang